Pronunciation: /snɪf/

Definitions of sniff

noun a quick inhalation through the nose, especially to detect a smell

Example Sentences

A1 The dog gave a sniff to the new visitor.

A2 She took a sniff of the flower to enjoy its fragrance.

B1 I detected a strange sniff in the air, like something burning.

B2 The detective took a sniff of the suspect's clothing for clues.

C1 The expert could identify the type of wine with just a sniff.

C2 The connoisseur gave a sniff to the aged cheese before tasting it.

verb to inhale through the nose audibly, as a dog does when it smells something

Example Sentences

A1 The dog sniffed the ground to find a hidden treat.

A2 She sniffed the flower to enjoy its fragrance.

B1 The detective sniffed around the crime scene for clues.

B2 The chef sniffed the spices to check if they were fresh.

C1 The scientist sniffed the air for any unusual odors in the lab.

C2 The wine expert sniffed the cork to determine the quality of the wine.

Examples of sniff in a Sentence

formal The detective sniffed the air for any traces of the suspect's scent.

informal I saw the dog sniffing around the bushes in the park.

slang She sniffed out the best deals at the thrift store.

figurative He could sniff out a lie from a mile away.

Grammatical Forms of sniff

past tense

sniffed

plural

sniffs

comparative

sniffier

superlative

sniffiest

present tense

sniff

future tense

will sniff

perfect tense

have sniffed

continuous tense

is sniffing

singular

sniff

positive degree

sniff

infinitive

to sniff

gerund

sniffing

participle

sniffed

Origin and Evolution of sniff

First Known Use: 1300 year
Language of Origin: Middle English
Story behind the word: The word 'sniff' originated from the Middle English word 'snuffen' which meant to draw in air through the nose with a quick audible inhalation.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'sniff' has retained its original meaning of inhaling quickly through the nose, but it has also come to be used in a figurative sense to describe investigating or detecting something subtly or cautiously.